Movement can come in many different forms, and this July, This Girl Can Essex are celebrating the way women and girls choose to get moving to support their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the barriers girls face when getting active during the summer months.
The #FindYourActive campaign highlights the fact that everyone can enjoy the huge benefits of moving more – it’s just about finding what is right for you, and some of our This Girl Can Essex ambassadors have showcased the different types of movement they enjoy the most to keep them active, coinciding with the initiative run by Active Essex.
Kate Nokes, a London marathon runner and new This Girl Can Ambassador, tells us what motivates her to keep moving and why she chooses to stay active:
“Knowing why I exercise is so important to me, remembering it’s about future proofing my body to be around for myself and my children and so that I (hopefully!) will be healthier in my old age. I also get my kit out the night before, then it being the first thing I see by my feet when I get up! Planning runs with friends and committing to others also keeps me motivated then I know I won’t let them down. Treating myself to new trainers and sports gear when I can and booking onto races to keep focused on a continuous goal also helps.”
Jodie Saunders, another This Girl Can Essex ambassador also tells us:
I love to keep active by enjoying a variety of different activities such as walking the dog, playing netball, running, lifting weights and boxing!
Heading into the heights of summer, it’s also important to understand how women and girls feel when partaking in physical activity during the warmer months, and what to wear when the weather is hot.
The national This Girl Can campaign recently explored the barriers hindering women taking part in sport and physical activity during summer months and found that almost half of women (45%) in the UK are worried about showing their body when getting active during the summer.
A good tip to consider is if you can, try to get active earlier in the day! Not only will you avoid the heat of the day, but you will also energise your entire day with morning exercise. Working out with a friend is also super fun and motivating, whether it’s trying a new walking trail or taking part in an online workout video together – find a friend you’d love to exercise with!
This is our reminder to women – of all shapes, sizes, ability and age – that nothing should hold us back from enjoying getting active this summer, and all girls deserve to wear what makes them feel comfortable, enjoy the benefits of physical activity and find the right activity for them.
Discover the #FindYourActive campaign here.
Find out more about #ThisGirlCanEssex and how to become an ambassador here.
